So, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has finally granted us the right to marry. What do we do next?! Planning a wedding can be a very stressful event, and one of the biggest wedding details many couples worry about is the wedding cake.
Before talking about flavors, there is really one question that needs to be answered first and foremost. Will it be traditional or non-traditional? Will it be topsy-turvy or tiered to the ceiling? White? Multi-colored? Many times, couples are more interested in how the outside of the cake will impact their guests, rather than its taste.
Traditional wedding cakes are usually three layers per tier. They are vanilla or almond flavored white cakes with some form of white buttercream in between the layers. There is absolutely nothing wrong with going this route as it has stood the test of time and has a simple elegance that many couples love. Also, there may be a concern that choosing a flavor that is out of the ordinary may push the reception guests a little too far out of their comfort zone.
If this is the case, try making simple changes, perhaps to the buttercream. White chocolate buttercream would be a great flavor upgrade without sacrificing the traditional color. Perhaps adding lavender or other floral flavors to the mix would give the cake added appeal. Simple alterations to traditional cake are also an option. Adding orange or lemon zest adds a refreshing surprise and makes the cake seem less “heavy.”
Also, studding buttercream with fresh berries can change the entire identity of the cake, but keep it relatively simple. For those with bolder intentions, a light banana cake with a salted caramel buttercream or pumpkin cake with cinnamon spice buttercream evokes nostalgic flavors that many guests would enjoy.
Chocolate is also a crowd pleaser. Fudgy chocolate cake with whipped ganache between the layers is a very rich, but delicious solution for non-traditional couples. One could even kick it up a notch by using a spiced chocolate to make the ganache, giving the slice a bit of a bite.
Here are some guidelines that may help when choosing flavor:
- Think about the theme of the reception.
- Take into consideration the time of year that your nuptials will be taking place.
- Don’t be afraid to choose something that you both enjoy. (Your guests are there to celebrate YOU, not themselves)
- Ask the caterer for several tasting options.
- You may be pleasantly surprised if you let their creativity run wild.
With any luck, this will be the only wedding a couple experiences in their lifetime. A cake is hardly the only way to make the moment special, but delicious flavors never go out of style!
Here are a few nontraditional examples of trendy wedding cakes:
Marbled Red Velvet Cake with cream cheese buttercream
Dark Chocolate Fudge Cake with whipped spiced ganache filling
Banana Cake with salted caramel buttercream
Lemon Cake with vanilla buttercream studded with jam-filled raspberries
Chocolate Cake with maple bacon buttercream
Coconut Cake with a thin layer of Key Lime curd and Rum buttercream
Peanut Butter Cake with banana buttercream
Chocolate Cake with mint buttercream
Spiced Almond Cake with lavender or rosewater buttercream
Strawberry Cake with whipped champagne ganache filling
